Giffey Advocates for National Investment Strategy to Address Structural Disparities in Eastern Germany

Franziska Giffey, the economic senator of Berlin, has emphasized the need for a more nuanced perspective on Eastern Germany, arguing for a comprehensive national investment strategy to tackle ongoing structural disadvantages faced by the region. In a recent interview, Giffey highlighted the importance of recognizing the achievements made in Eastern Germany, stating that there are numerous success stories that should not be overshadowed by negative perceptions.

She pointed out that regions such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Berlin, and Brandenburg are among the fastest-growing economic areas in the country. Furthermore, innovation hubs in cities like Potsdam, Leipzig, Dresden, Jena, and Erfurt are leading in various fields, particularly in clean energy production.

Despite these advancements, Giffey acknowledged that significant structural challenges persist. Issues such as lower wages, the concentration of corporate headquarters in Western Germany, and the lack of investment capital in the East contribute to continued economic disparities. She noted that traveling to Eastern Germany often requires transfers in Western cities like Munich or Frankfurt, which can further isolate these regions.

Additionally, Giffey pointed out that leadership roles in both the economy and academia are predominantly held by individuals from Western Germany, which exacerbates the challenges faced by the structurally weaker areas in the East. To combat this, she called for a holistic approach to structural development that recognizes it as a joint responsibility across the nation.

She advocated for a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as cultural and artistic initiatives, in addition to high-profile projects. Giffey underscored the necessity for her party, the SPD, to redefine its role in economic policy, ensuring that it represents not only the interests of workers but also those of entrepreneurs, thereby preventing them from shifting allegiance to other parties.